Minneapolis - In a majority of games since returning from a knee injury, New Orleans Hornets shooting guard Eric Gordon has had exceptional scoring performances in the first half only to struggle in the second half.

New Orleans Hornets guard Eric Gordon (10) shoots over Washington Wizards center Emeka Okafor (50) in the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, March 15, 2013 in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

It happened again in Friday night’s 96-87 loss to the Washington Wizards when Gordon was held to three points in the second half on one-of-seven shooting after scoring 17 points before halftime.

With Gordon struggling to score consistently for the entire game, the Hornets (22-44) have lost five of their last six games going into Sunday night’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves (22-41) at the Target Center.

Hornets Coach Monty Williams said it has been hard for Gordon to maintain a shooting rhythm when he’s not playing every day because of restrictions set by team doctors in which he’s been held out from playing in the second game of back-to-back sets to avoid overworking his right knee.

Gordon, who leads the Hornets with a 17.0 scoring average after 28 games played, is expected to miss Monday night’s game against the Golden State Warriors at the New Orleans Arena because of the restrictions. Gordon has been under restrictions, which includes his minutes played, since returning Dec. 29 after missing the first 29 games because a bone bruise and patella disorder in his right knee.

Like most of the Hornets’ opponents, the Timberwolves are likely to involve their defensive coverages around converging on Gordon on the perimeter to either get the ball out of his hands or force him to take tough shots.

"It’s tough when the team wants me to score, and break down the defense,’’ Gordon said after Friday night’s loss to the Wizards."Don’t get me wrong, I have no problem doing it, and I can do it, but we as a team were not in sync.’’

On their last visit to the Target Center to face the Timberwolves in February, Gordon sat out because of it was the second game of a back-to-back. Without him, the Hornets were routed 115-86.

This time around, Williams is pushing for his players to compete for the entire 48 minutes instead of in spurts.